The Ladysmith Sub-Centre is situated in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands in the foothills of the Drakensberg Mountains. The main building of the Sub-Centre was officially opened and dedicated to the service of mankind on the 28^th of February 1998 under the guidance of Swami Shivapadananda, the then President of the Ramakrishna Centre of S.A.

The Sub-Centre has three buildings:

1. The Swami Vivekananda Family Welfare Centre, a 250-seater hall equipped for audio and visual presentations, was officially opened by Most Revered Srimat Swami Smarananandaji Maharaj on the 27th of April 2011.

2. The Sri Ramakrishna Kutir, a residence for visiting Monks, was opened on the 13th of August 2014 by Revered Swami Vimokshanandaji Maharaj, the then President of the Ramakrishna Centre of South Africa.

3. Main Shrine – a 300 seater hall where the altar of Sri Ramakrishna, Sri Sarada Devi and Swami Vivekananda is located. 4. A Statue of Swami Vivekananda was erected 2016 and unveiled by Most Revered Srimat Swami Gautamananadaji Maharaj.

Appreciation

Dear Medical and Allied Health Professionals, Volunteers, Sponsors, and Well-Wishers,

On behalf of our President, Revered Swami Swatmaramanandaji Maharaj and the Ramakrishna Clinic of South Africa, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to each one of you for your invaluable assistance and unwavering support in making the Ladysmith Medical Outreach on Sunday, 4 August 2024, a remarkable success with over 680 patients of the community being treated.

In the spirit of Swami Vivekananda, who said, “The greatest religion is to be true to your own nature. Have faith in yourselves,” we came together as a community, embodying the true essence of selfless service and compassion.

Your tireless efforts have significantly impacted the lives of many individuals and their families. This event would not have been possible without your contributions, and we celebrate this achievement with immense joy and gratitude.

We once again thank you for your support!

Yours in the service of Humankind,

 

Activities

General

1. Observations – all fast and festivals are observed according to the Hindu Calendar. The birth anniversaries of Sri Ramakrishna, Sri Sarada Devi and Swami Vivekananda and the International Day of Yoga are also observed.

2. Weekly Satsangs are held every Tuesday between 6:30pm – 7:30pm with an average attendance 100 devotees. Monthly discourses on the Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna by Swami Sumanasananda are also conducted.

3. Diwali – our Diwali Celebration Programme takes place on Diwali morning each year. The programme includes the distribution of bumper grocery hampers to devotees registered on our Grocery Hamper Distribution Programme. These hampers include additional grocery items to the normal hampers as well as vegetable packs. In addition, special gift packs are distributed. Carrier bags with the Centre’s logo are distributed to all devotees on the day. These bags contain juice, chips, biscuits, chocolates and sweets. The programme includes satsang, a sketch on the Ramayana, a dance and talks by matriculants. In excess of 500 devotees attend the programme yearly.

Educational

1. Hindi Classes – held every week. The programme is conducted by a qualified Hindi Teacher. These classes are affiliated to the Hindi Siksha Sangha of South Africa.

2. Hinduism for Children Classes – held every Thursday from 5:30pm – 7:45pm. Approximately 100 children attend from Grade R to Grade 12. The curriculum includes scriptural study, personality development and yoga. Meals are served to all children and teachers. Children participate in an annual Northern KZN Children’s Cultural Festival where they are trained to present items related to the curriculum such as sketches, religious dances, speeches and bhajan recitals.

3. Yoga Programme/Life Coaching – held quarterly. The programme includes presentations on various youth related topics, interactive sessions, motivational speakers, life skills and personality development. Meals are served at every programme.

4. Literature Distribution – the Sub-Centre is actively involved in the distribution of wholesome literature and book packs. School exercise books are also distributed to school learners.

Women and Girls

1. Sri Sarada Devi Women’s Circle – held monthly, approximately 50 Mothers attend. The programme includes scriptural studies on books related to Holy Mother. Completed thus far are the Gospel of Holy Mother, Sri Sarada Devi by Swami Nikhilananda and many others. A year end programme is held to reward mothers and show gratitude for their participation. Meals are served.

2. Sister Nivedita Mentorship Programme for Girls – the Sister Nivedita Mentorship Programme commenced in 2017 and is unique to our Sub-Centre. This programme is aimed at guiding and mentoring youth girls from rural areas to equip them with life skills and prepare them for life beyond schooling level. All girls are given a vanity pack, literature and meals are served.

Youth and Children

1. June 16th – National Youth Day South Africa – a youth workshop and Karma Yoga Outreach Programme is held. The Karma Yoga Outreach Programme involves the distribution of groceries and other items to over 200 families.

2. Annual Swami Vivekananda Sports Day for Youth and Parents – a year-end event which includes various sport items and a celebratory march. All youth are presented with a gift and meals are provided.

Community Outreach:

1. Swami Vivekananda Welfare Programme – monthly distribution of groceries and other essential items to 70 families. In addition, a monthly preparation and distribution of freshly cooked meals to 70 indigent families and approximately 350 devotees takes place.

2. The Ramakrishna Clinic of South Africa – Ladysmith Medical Camp – held annually. The camp assists in excess of 900 patients, free of charge. Some of the services provided at the medical camp include all major fields of medical speciality, comprehensive HIV Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT), full medical laboratory, provision of tested spectacles and other allied services and the dispensing of medication. All patients are further provided with breakfast, lunch and a literature pack.

3. Audiology Clinic – held under the Ramakrishna Clinic of South Africa on an annual basis where free audiograms are provided to patients.

Attachments

1. Thank You – Aug 2024

Public Relations

1. News and Events Digital Newsletter – published on a monthly basis.

2. Newspaper Articles related to programmes and activities of the Sub-Centre are published in the local newspaper on a regular basis.

3. Google verified information pertaining to our opening and closing times, contact details, links to our Facebook page and physical location can be easily accessed through Google.

4. Social Media – The Sub-Centre has an active Facebook page, mailing list and WhatsApp group where information on activities and programmes is posted.